Page 136 - The Prophet-statesman a Drama of Daniel

to pray thus in public view, but I seem impelled to do so now.”
“You are a patriotic Jew, O Daniel, and hope springs eternal in the human breast
that one’s own nation may rise from the dust of defeat and the ashes of devastation to

a place of position and prominence among the nations. I had such a yearning for my
own native Media and have lived to see it happen, until now in alliance with Cyrus
and Persia, it has engulfed Babylon,” said Queen Rhea.
“If I correctly divine my own thoughts and desires, they are not along that line at

all. In fact in the usual sense of the word, I am not sure that I am a patriot at all,
seeking worldly glory, prosperity or recognition for one’s nation. The real glory of
Israel was not the conquests of Joshua or the military might of David or the
sumptuous riches of Solomon, but the fact that from the days of Abraham, Jehovah

chose our race as the custodians of His truth and our land as a lampstand whereby the
radiance of His truth and mercy might be shed abroad to all nations. The Psalmist
prayed: ‘God be merciful unto us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us,
that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health to all nations,’ It causes me

great pain to know that we failed so miserably in this divine commitment, that
Jehovah was compelled to destroy the Northern Kingdom first, by the hand of Sargon,
King of Assyria, and then Jerusalem and Judah and the temple at the hands of
Nebuchadnezzar, thus removing the lampstand from its place.”

“I have never understood that so clearly before,” replied Rhea to Daniel’s speech.
“If that is the case, every true believer in Jehovah should be as concerned about
Jerusalem’s sad plight as you are, regardless of their nationality. Now tell me, good
friend, is there anything that gives you an indication that Jehovah may be preparing to

restore His witness in Jerusalem, that makes you pray thrice daily toward the Holy
City?”
“Indeed there are two converging lines of written prophecy that make me sure of
it, beside what Jehovah has been pleased to reveal to me in prophetic visions. I think

you will be interested if not amazed and astounded to know that our prophet, Isaiah,
nearly two-hundred years ago, spoke concerning the brilliant young King Cyrus of
Persia,” Daniel continued.
“Wait! How could you know Isaiah was referring to Cyrus?” Rhea interposed.

“For the simple reason that he called his name! I have read the words so many
times lately that I can quote them. Listen, ‘That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd,
and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and

to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to
Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden to subdue nations before him; and I will loose
the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and gates shall not be
shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces
the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures

of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord,
which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. For Jacob my servant’s sake and